A company called Nord Supplies is selling wood-less pencils made entirely out of graphite. They claim these last longer than traditional pencils, and also tout the ability to use the entirety of the conical surface, not just the tip, to make marks. Additionally, the shavings themselves can be used in the manner of pastel dust.

"Our woodless pencils are excellent for precise artwork as well as broad, loose strokes, and shading work. They can be sharpened with a traditional pencil sharpener, and the shavings can be used for smudging in colour. They also need less sharpening than wood-based ones, so you can draw freely for longer."

On offer are black pencils in 12 different hardness levels:

They also offer a set of 24 colored pencils (the graphite is mixed with pigment) in 2B hardness:

The pencils have been successfully Kickstarted, with 22 days left to pledge at press time. Prices are dear: A set of five black pencils goes for $30, 12 black pencils run $59, and the colored set of 24 also runs $59.

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